Day 5 of our 12 Days of Sparkle comes from the Shops at Columbus Circle in New York City, thanks to Instagram user issamas. Send us your photos using the hashtag #TCHolidayLights if you’d like to be featured!

Here at Travel Channel, we’re travel junkies (I know — gasp!), so it shouldn’t come as much surprise that we’ve all got travel-related gadgets on our list for Santa this year. As you can probably tell from our picks, we’re a pretty diverse group — so if you’re still looking for the perfect gift for a fellow world wanderer, chances are there’s something here that they’d like. Check out a few of our favorite picks below, or browse the full gallery. THEN, tell us, what’s on YOUR travel wish list? Leave it in the comments, or tweet using the hashtag #TCWishList.

American novelist Sinclair Lewis once wrote, “winter is not a season, it’s an occupation,” and who could argue with his words? Winter means shoveling and plowing snow, slipping and sliding to work and school and bundling up from head to toe. This year, we’re saying “no thank you!” to winter and migrating south with the birds. Here are weathertrends360’s top 10 picks for getaways with the best weather this season:

Florida is a popular destination for travelers with the winter blues because of its humid subtropical climate. Mid-January is a great time to visit, as the forecast is mainly dry with temperatures in the mid-70s.

Whether you want to be a “Winter Texan” or are looking for a Spring Break destination, South Padre Island is the place. The average high temperature in winter is in the low 70s — perfect for those looking for warmer, but not hot, weather.

Destinations Abroad

3) San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

San Jose del Cabo is a relaxing alternative to sister city Cabo San Lucas, a well-known party destination. Winters are warm with high temperatures in the low 80s and scarce precipitation. Visit in March for the driest, sunniest and warmest weather.

4) Manzanillo, Mexico

Manzanillo is a great winter getaway, especially for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts. With winter comes drier and less humid weather, with virtually no risk of tropical cyclones. Winter high temperatures average in the low 80s.

This winter, take a trip to the sun-drenched beaches of Guanacaste. The hot and dry climate of this Costa Rican province is perfect for those craving a winter dip in the ocean. High temperatures in the winter hover around the mid-80s.

Winter is an excellent time to visit Jamaica, as the threat of a tropical storm is virtually non-existent. High temperatures average in the mid to high 80s during the winter months.

7) St. John’s, Antigua

Antigua makes a great destination for those wishing to shed some layers. Winter high temperatures range from the low to mid-80s. Visit in late February or late March for the driest weather.

8) Lima, Peru

What better way to cure the winter blues than heading to an area where our winter is their summer! January through March is the best time to visit Lima as sunshine is the most plentiful during this time of the year. But be warned: avoid visiting from the end of January to the beginning of February, when the risk of wet weather is the highest.

9) Melbourne, Australia

The Land Down Under will melt away your cold weather plight. Like Lima, Melbourne is also in its summer season during our winter, and daytime high temperatures from January through March typically range in the upper 70s to low 80s. But avoid visiting in early January, mid-February, and early March.

An African safari is sure to warm up any adventurous traveler. Johannesburg, near the famous Kruger National Park, is a popular stopover for travelers heading on safari. Temperatures in the city typically range from the upper 70s to low 80s from January through March. This year, mid-January and early March will be the best times to visit.

Weathertrends360 specializes in creating accurate long-term weather forecasts. The meteorologists use a historical weather database of 6.4 million locations around the world, combined with their in-depth understanding of the many climate cycles that affect weather patterns, to accurately predict the weather for the coming year.

The Grecian island of Halki is a measly 11-square-mile rectangle in the Aegean Sea. But its small size serves as an advantage: No matter where you’re standing, you’re within walking distance of the Emporio. More »

This week, our favorite travel blog posts take a look at the people behind the industry. From an enlightening interview with the Frugal Traveler to the rudest airline employees, there’s never a dull moment with these travelers.

Gadling reports American Airlines has the rudest employees, according to a recent survey. Equally interesting is which carriers ranked the best.

Go Big or Go Home found the world’s largest group of carolers – 502, to be exact – in Westport, CT.
Nomadic Matt sits down with the Seth Kugel, NYT’s Frugal Traveler, to find out his most interesting trip (he’s been 3 times) and, of course, his best budget-friendly travel advice.

Carry On shares their 6 travel etiquette rules on the Today Show, just in time for holiday travel. No more wondering about who gets the armrest on a plane, how to silence noisy hotel neighbors and what to do about reckless taxi drivers.

Behold, Slate’s new photo blog, takes a look into the absurd world of fake holidays with shots from photographer Reiner Riedler’s new book, which was inspired by the temporary beaches in Berlin and Hamburg, Germany.

See what else happened this week — including romantic celebrations on 12/12/12 — with our This Week in Photos gallery!

Our second Day of Sparkle comes from Instagram user Vpedrianes, because who doesn’t love New York City at Christmastime? Well, minus the crowds. This photo, of course, is of the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Would you like your photo to be featured on our blog? Send us your best holiday lights shot with the hashtag #TCHolidayLights!